The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1887-01-12

sent TO West Point Through the
Advice of Ex-ssOvernor Ewing.
1t is well known fact that General Sher-
idan's parents were people in very humble
circumstances, and that his father had a
hard struggle to support and educate his
large family. And it was necessary for the
boys early in life to seek employment in
order that they might support themselves
and assist their father as much as possible.
They were all unusually bright and indus
trious and were not only willing but anxious
to do oil they could.
At the time at which we write the Lam
caster (Ohio) Congressional district, in
which old Mr.. Sheridan and his family re-
sided, was represented by democrat.
This member was entitled to the appoint
ment of cadet ut the West Point Military
Academy, as were oil other members under
The law. Before he had made selection,
however, two of his constituents, both
friends of his, very wealthy, each concluded
that he would like to have his son receive
disappointment, and accordingly each start
ed out among his friends in the district to
obtain recommendations to the member of
Congress for the appointment of his son.
The men were both we'll liked, and as a
consequence, through their determined
efforts, almost all the people in the district
had taken sides, and the Congressman was
pressed on all sides to appoint one or the
other. He was in a dilemma. To appoint
either would bring the enmity of the other
and all his friends. He concluded he
would advise with Thomas Ewing one of
0hio's greatest men, who was then Sena-
tor and resided in the town of Lancaster.
Accordingly he went to the Senator's house
and explained the situation to him. After
thinking the matter over for a moment,
the Senator said, "If ! were in your place
would not appoint either of these boys. ]
would select some poor mans SON and send
him each of these men and their friends
would be glad that you did not appoint the
others son, and the whole people of the
district would applaud yoa for sending a
poor boy" That's capital idea ~ re-
marked the now delighted member rs he
saw way out of the difficulty; g but
W&tttS 10 ttittc u wy tuit oSAAo oaSs thtAA
old Mr.. Sherman, who was employed by
Senator Ewing, walked into the dining room
where the two were sitting, with some stove
wood in his arms, There, = said the Sem
ator. Q is Sheridan he has some bright
boys. and you couldn't do better than to
send one Of them" III the meantime Sher.
idan had deposited his wood aud was going
out of the room. :. Sheridan said the SEN
ator, g how would you like to have one of
your boys go to West Point r. - don't
know, sill" replied Sheridan; 81 never
thought Of that, and you know better about
it than do. would leave it all to you,
SIR" Well" said the Senator, f" If either
was to be sent which would you prefer to
have 60 ?" 81 don know about that either,
sir. If its for books yon want him you had
better send Mike but If it's for fighting
you want him yor had better send Phil, "
and Sheridan went his way. There, :"
said the Senator TO the Congressman,
there's your chance. It's for fighting you
want him, now send Phil Sheridan" and
he did. Chicago Inter Ocean.